The Great War one hundred years ago

[LouieB]

Of all the commemorations we have, it seems like the First World War, which started 100 years ago in July is getting short shrift. I know there have been several books published in recent years, but there seems to be little of the acknowledgement of this event at the century mark. Of course all the participants are gone, but still it seems like there should be more happening than seems to be. Or is because the USA didn't come in until later? Anything happening in Europe? Just curious.

 

LouieB

[froggie]

for australia, it's 100 years next year

[Albert Tatlock]

There is a lot going on here. Loads of books and TV documentaries. One new series contained only original film from the time - some fascinating stuff. Kind of like the famous old 'World At War' series but for WW1

And the dramatised depiction of diplomatic developments/misunderstandings leading up to the outbreak of war '37 Days' was excellent when shown earlier this year: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/37_Days_(TV_series)

[uncool2pillow]

Three great WWI reads by Barbara Tuchman (probably my favorite history writer) in chronological order by history, not publication (copied from Wikipedia):

 

• The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890–1914 (1966)—Covers the hesitant rise of U.S. imperialism, anarchist assassinations, socialism, communism, and the devolution of the 19th century order in Europe and North America.
• The Guns of August (1962) details the military decisions and actions that occurred leading up to and during the first month of World War I. It is primarily what established her reputation. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, John F. Kennedy advised the EXCOMM to read this book. Reprinted several times in the 1980s as August 1914.
• The Zimmermann Telegram (1958)—The Zimmermann Telegram in early 1917 was a key incident involving Germany and Mexico that helped provoke the U.S. into entering World War I.

[LouieB]

Being old I remember when there were still veterans of WWI still around.  Now that WWII is becoming a memory, WWI is being lost in the sands of time.  Those were the days when monuments were erected in memory of WWI  They still dot the country, but have long since fallen into disrepair or are ignored.

 

Meanwhile back in the land of the 100 year war with the Muslims.......

 

LouieB

[uncool2pillow]

When I was in D.C. last week, I saw a group on an honor flight.  Most honor flights I've heard of were strictly for WWII vets.  This one had vets from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  You could tell the Vietnam vets in particular were quite proud to have been included.  Talked to many, enjoyed their stories.  Those WWII folks won't be around much longer. I remember the first year of my teaching career ended on the 50th anniversary of D-Day and 2 weeks ago we marked the 70th.  Time flies...

[LouieB]

The New York Times Book Review has some articles on the 100th anniversary of WWI.

 

LouieB

[Sweet Papa Crimbo]

Sad that the players have changed a bit...but we are one misunderstanding or crazy nut with a gun away from going to the dance for a third time.

[bjorn_skurj]

Oooh, like if a Belgian shot Vladimir Putin? Or a Uruguayan soccer player bit an Italian soccer player?

 

Seriously, I wanna read the new Barbara McMillan book, then Paul Fussell's "The Great War and Modern Memory." Then maybe dig a trench in the backyard, get in said trench and set off M-80s during a rainstorm.

[LouieB]

For a ;musical interlude from WWI check out Archeophone's two disk compilation called The Great War.  Some of the songs are pretty humorous and some really touching.  All from 100 years ago.  If I could link it I would, but for some reason my link feature doesn't work.

 

LouieB